Machine gun camera



June 18, 1935. J. P. GATY 2,005,366

MACHINE GUN CAMERA Filed May 26, 1935 5 Sheet-Sheet 1 INVENTOR June18,1935. J. P. GATY 2,005,366

MACHINE GUN CAMERA INVENTQR Q .ffl/In F6067 ATTORNEY June 18, 1935. J.P. GATY 2,005,366 I momma GUN cmmm Filed May 26, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 3INVENTOR I JZfin Zaig ATTORNEYS June 18,1935. J. P. GATY 2,005,366

MACHINE GUN CAMERA Filed May 26, 19315 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORTTORNEYS Patented June 18, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ehild AerialCamera tion of New York Corporation, a. corpora- Application May 26,1933, Serial No. 672,946

9 Claims.

This invention relates in general to photographic cameras and moreparticularly to that type of camera known in the art as machine guncameras, that is to say, cameras simulating the form of a machine gunand whereby the accuracy of the manipulation of the machine gun intarget practice may be checked by inspection of the pictures taken.

An object of the invention is to provide such a device wherein a singlelens may be utilized for the purpose of photographing both an object ata long distance and a watch at a short distance within the camera, so asto constitute a time record of the exposures taken.

Another object of the invention is to provide suitable filters wherebythese two results may be obtained by the use of a single lens, and toprovide means whereby the lens may be moved. into alternate positionsfor accomplishing these two types of photographic exposure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an optical system, simplein nature and inexpensive as to cost, whereby fast lenses of highaperture ratio may be used, so as to increase shutter speeds far beyondthose in conventional use, by means of the increase of lighttransmitting ability.

A still further object of the invention is to use and arrange such afilter, so that it will not act upon the rays of an illuminated Watch, apicture of which is adapted to be recorded, but only the rays from theobjects at a substantial distance. The purpose of this is to hold backthe exposure of objects in the sunlight without making necessaryexcessive illumination on the watch, which may be photographed at thesame lens opening or aperture and at the same shutter speed as theobject in sunlight.

A still further object is to provide such a device as to consist of aself-contained moving picture camera unit, a watch unit which will bereadily installed and removable from the device in their proper relationwithout necessity for adjustment. In this connection, an object of theinvention is to provide a novel and eflicient means of manual adjustmentof the optical system, including light reflecting prisms and a movablelens.

r A still further and important object of the invention is the provisionand pre-arrangement of the operating parts of the device, whereby adefinite sequence of operation is predetermined so as to allow for thetaking of any desired number of pictures and an exposure on one of saidpictures of a record of the time of day as well as the serial number ofthe series of pictures taken, this to be effected by the mere manualoperation of a shutter tripping device.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists inthe combination of 5 parts and in the details of constructionhereinafter set forth in the following specification and appendedclaims, certain embodiments thereof being illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, in which: 10

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the device;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 with one of the side walls of thecasing removed;

Figure 4 is a view in longitudinal section taken along line 4-4 ofFigure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in top plan of the device with the uppercover of the casing removed;

Figure 6 is a view in front end elevation of the handle end of thedevice;

Figure 7 is a view in section taken along line 'l--'l of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a view in section taken along line 8- 8 of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a view in section taken along line 9--9 of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the device shownin Figure 3 constituting the operating means for the movement of tielens. and prism and showing the device in position for taking a seriesof pictures of long range objects;

Figure 11 is a view in section taken along line ll-l| of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a view in section taken along line l2|2 of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view of the cam operating device shown inFigure 10, showing the parts in the position they assume after a seriesof pictures of long range objects has been taken and the return movementof the actuating bar is taking place;

Figure 13a is a fragmentary view of the cam operating device shown inFigure 10 after a counterclockwise rotation of the segment has takenplace;

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 showing the parts in theposition they assume when the operating link is near its rearwardposition, just prior to the taking of a single picture of the watch;

Figure 15 is a view in lateral section taken through a portion of thedevice along line 15-45 of Figure 1'7 showing the operating link and thecircuit maker and breaker for the watch illuminating device and showingthe circuit open;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15 showing the circuit closed;

Figure 1'? is a view in section taken along line lll'i of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a view in section taken along line |8--l8 of Figure 15;

' Figure 19 is a detailed view in perspective of the spring actuatedcircuit closure shown in Figures 15 to 18 inclusive;

Figure 20 is a graphic representation of the sequence of operation ofthe various elements of the device during the forward travel of the mainoperating link;

Figure 21 is a similar showing of the sequence of operation upon thereturn movement of the operating link;

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic showing of a modified optical system for thedevice;

Figure 23 is an illustration of a partial strip of film showing theperforations, the reticles, and an exposure upon the last of the seriesof film frames of the time and serial number record.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the device consists of amain casing I, in which the operative parts of the mechanism areenclosed, a pair of handles 2, by means of which the device may bepointed in the desired direction, a gun barrel 3, and a conventionalringsight consisting of the usual elements 4 and to simulate theappearance of a machine gun as used particularly on aircraft.

The main casing is provided in its upper wall with a door 6, hinged atI, through which a standard moving picture camera unit 8 may be insertedand which, when inserted, is self-aligned in its proper predeterminedposition, by means of longitudinally acting leaf spring 9, side springsH and guideways l0, and furthermore by means of a similar leaf spring 12carried by the door 6, when the latter is closed after the insertion ofthe camera unit.

The casing is also provided with a slot and guide for the insertion of awatch unit, which comprises a slide I3, carrying a watch I, a counterl5, and a setting device such as a knob IE or a data card in place ofthe counter, and a slide I3 for carrying a series of lamp bulbs H withcontact devices 18 and lead wires 19, this electrical unit beingsuitably connected to the wiring circuit of the device for predeterminedillumination of the lamp bulbs when it is desired to take a photographicexposure of the watch and the counter.

The device further consists of a light aperture 20 and a filter device2|, constitutingthe only means for admission of outside light for thetaking of pictures of objects external of the device, while the lampbulbs constitute the means of illumination of the watch, for takingpictures of the latter. A single movable lens is employed for these twooperations and is shown at 22. There is also provided in the opticalsystem a stationary prism 23 and a movable prism 24, which latter isadapted to be moved in conjunction with the movable lens so as tobe outof the path of the light rays utilized by the lens to photograph theexternal object and to be moved into said path and in proper positionfor permitting the taking of the picture of the watch which is on ahigher plane than the cone of light passing through the lens from theexternal source. As shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, this movable prism24 has arranged in its face a diaphragm 24' near the lens, thisdiaphragm being of the form indicated in dotted lines in Figure 10.

In accomplishing these two operations, the mechanism involved brieflyconsists of a trigger 25 adjacent the spade grip handles, and a longoperating bar 26, which, through other actuating elements, is adapted toelevate the prism and force the lens in a backward direction towards thehandles when it is desired to take a picture of an external object uponthe forward movement of the operating bar, and upon the return movementof the operating bar to cause the prism to be lowered and the lens movedforward and also cause the lamps to be illuminated, for the purpose oftaking a photographic exposure of the watch. As shown in Figure 22, themovable lens 22 may be replaced by a stationary lens 22 and a correctionlens 98 in the path of the light rays and a member 99 apertured at I00disposed between the lens 22' and the correction lens 98 so as to takepictures of the watch and of long range objects without adjustment ofthe lens 22 or varying the speed or aperture of the shutter.

Before going into a detailed discussion, Figures 20 and 21 graphicallyillustrate the sequence of operation of the operating elementsthroughout the entire cycle, as well as the photographic resultsobtained thereby.

Referring to Figure 20, the forward movement of the trigger and triggeroperated bar is represented by an arc of 90, the first of which have noeffect upon the camera, the next of which effect the putting of thecamera in neutral, the next 52 of which find the camera in neutralposition throughout, and last 13 of which bring about the taking ofphotographic exposures of external objects. As to the movable prism, thefirst 25 of forward trigger movement does not effect the movable prismwhich is in downward position, the next 51 of forward movement isutilized in moving the prism upwardly, and the last 14 of forwardmovement finds the prism sufliciently elevated so as to be out' of thepath of light admitted through the filter 2 I, this taking effect just 1prior to the time at which the taking of pictures of external objects isinitiated.

With regard to the movable lens, it is still in focus for the watch forthe first 30 movement and continues that way until after the prism isstarted to be moved upwardly. The lens starts to move in a rearwarddirection and continues its rearward movement for the next succeeding 30forward movement of the trigger and the last 30 of such trigger movementfinds the lens in its full rearward position during the time of takingof the photographic exposures of external objects and, indeed, for 17prior to the beginning of such photographic exposure. Up to this timethe desired series of pictures has been taken but no record of the timeof day in which they were taken nor has the serial number of the seriesof pictures been recorded. These results are obtained during thebackward travel of the trigger and trigger operated mechanism, whichbackward movement follows automatically upon the completion of theforward movement.

Referring to Figure 21, the first 13 of backward movement is utilized inclosing the.camera, the next 52 finds the camera in neutral position,during which period a switch is operated to illuminate the bulbs for thepurpose of taking a picture of the watch and this illumination continuesthroughout the succeeding movement, while the last final position of thetrigger finds the lamp bulbs non-illuminated.

The pictures of the external objects having been completed, it is nolonger necessary to keep the movable prism out of the path of the lightrays, and it is necessary to move it in proper position for thereflection of the watch image so as to take a picture thereof.Consequently the prism is moved downwardly and this is accomplishedduring the first 65 of movement, while the last 25 movement finds theprism in its furthest downward position, proper for the reflection abovementioned.

The lens having been in focus for taking pictures of external objects,it is necessary to refocus it for the taking of the internally arrangedwatch and consequently the lens having been in a rearward adjustedposition remains so for the first movement. The next 30 movement isutilized in moving the lens forward so as to put it into proper focusfor the watch, while the last 30 movement finds the lens in such properposition. The switch for operating the watch illuminating lamp bulbs isoperated by the return movement of the trigger bar after it has gonethrough 30 of its operation and acts to illuminate the watch prior tothe time that the lens is in proper focus and prior to tripping theshutter for taking a photographic exposure of the watch. The lampsremain illuminated during the exposure and continue on for a fraction ofa second after the photographic exposure of the watch has been taken,and the lights are turned on" andromain off for the last 10 backwardmovement of the trigger, when the trigger is moved slowly.

The mechanism whereby the above described operations are accomplishedwill now be described, in detail: When the operator desires to take aseries of pictures of external objects, all that is required to do is topress downwardly upon the lever 25, which is pivotally connected to thecasing by means of a shaft 21. The trigger lever is provided with anintegral downward extension 25', which is secured to a bracket 28 havingan extension 29, about which is arranged a roller 36 mounted in achannel 3| carried by the bar 26. The flat operating bar 26 carries aplate 32 adapted to slide under a bracket 34 secured at 35 to thecasing, said plate being formed with lugs 33 and 36 which by theirabutment against either side of the bracket act respectively as limitingstops for the forward and rearward movement of the bar 26.

In order to provide for a balanced movement of the operating bar 26there is provided a block 3'! secured to the bar 26, which latter isprovided with an elongated slot 38. This block 31 has attached thereto atension spring 38', the other end of which is secured to the stationarybracket 34. Fitting Within the slot 38 and secured to the casing is 'apin 39, which forms a common pivot for.

a pair of angularly disposed links 40 and 4| which, in turn, arepivotally connected, at 42 and 43, to a pair of relatively short links44 and 45, which latter are connected to the block 31 on the commonpivot 46. The effect of this construction may be seen by reference toFigure 3, which shows the trigger in normal upward position and theoperating bar 26 in its full rear position. As the bar 26 is movedforwardly, the pin 39 remaining stationary, and the pivot point 46,being moved forwardly with respect thereto, tends to spread the pivotpoints 42 and 43 away from each other against the action of a spring 41,tending to keep the linkage assembly in the posi- -tion shown in Figure3. However, as the pivot point 46 is moved past the center, with respectto the pivots 42 and 43, the spring 41, in acting to compress thelinkage and pull the links 40 and 4| towards each other, acts to aid theforward motion of the bar 26, until the linkage assembly assumes theposition shown in Figure 17. It follows that the spring 41 performs acorresponding function in resisting a rearward movement until after thepivot point 46, as shown in Figure 17, reaches a point to the left of adead center between pivot points 42 and 43, after which the spring, inacting to compress the toggle, assists in forcing the operating bar 26rearwardly. This mechanism acts to balance the force exerted by spring65 at all positions of travel of the bar 26.

Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the operating bar 26 extends forwardlyand is adapted for reciprocatory motion, and at its forward end ispivotallyattached, at 48, to a link 49, which latter is excentricallypivotally connected at 50 to a disc 5|, concentrically mounted on ashaft 52, so as to be rotatable therewith. Keyed also to the shaft 52 isa segment 53 provided with an arcuate slot 54, in which is adapted toride a lug 55, mounted on a short link 56, which latter is connected at51 to the movable lens 22, in such a manner that a rotation of thesegment causes the lens to be carried forward or moved back,corresponding to the direction of rotation of the segment. The operationof the trigger and the consequent operation of the operating bar 26 inrotating the disc 5| transmits this rotary movement to the segmentthrough the medium of the common shaft 52. The disc 5| is also providedwith an arcuate slot 58 with excentric extensions 59 and 66 to receive apin 6|.

Pin 6| is fixed to and carried by an angular flat bar 62, which extendsrearwardly and is adapted for longitudinal sliding movement and isprovided at its rear end with an operating hook 63, adapted to engage asuitable element 64, for setting in motion by any suitable means astandard moving picture camera unit. In other Words, as explained inconnection with Figures 20 and 21, the forward and rearward movement ofthe main operating bar 26 brings about the present described motion ofthe link 62, in such a manner that at a certain predetermined operationof the forward movement of the operating bar 26 acts through the mediumof the link 62 to set the camera mechanism into operation so as to takea number of pictures of an-exterior object.

A reverse movement of the link 62 is effected so as to again set thecamera mechanism into operation, so as to take a single picture of theinterior located watch; this latter function also taking place at apredetermined point in the return movement of the main operating bar. Inorder to bring this result about it must be remembered that the forwardmovement of the main actuating bar 26 causes a rotation of the cam disc5| in a clockwise direction, and that during this movement the pin 6|rides in the groove 58, and

so long as the pin remains in the concentric porcamera for a series ofexposures of the exteriorly located object, as the cam disc 5| is beingrotated counterclockwise by the return movement of the bar 26 and thepin 6| has been forced out of the upper excentric groove 59 into theconcentric portion 58. Figure 14 shows the position of the pin after thedisc 5| has been rotated further in a counterclockwise direction by arearward movement of the operating bar 26. Pin 6| is here shown justabove the lower excentric portion 66, the lamp bulbs having beenilluminated and the camera being set in position for taking a singlepicture of the watch, which occurs as the pin 6| is forced to ride inthe excentric portion 66, as this imparts a movement of the cameraoperating link 62 forwardly to bring this about. The pin 6| then ridesin the groove extension 60' which is concentric and allows a movement ofthe light switch to extinguish the lamp bulbs.

As above mentioned, the forward movement of the operating bar 26 alsocauses a back and forth sliding movement of the movable lens 22, thisbeing brought about by the riding of a pin 55 mounted on a link 56 inthe groove 54 of the segment 53. The actual means for imparting thisback and forth sliding movement, however, comprises a spring 65 which iscoiled about the shaft 52, upon which the segment 53 is fixedly mounted.This spring further comprises two depending leaves 66 and 61, which arespaced apart and adapted to straddle the pin 55 and a pin 68, which iscarried by the segment. As the segment is rotated by the rotation of theshaft 52 in a counterclockwise direction, the spring leaves 66 and 61change from their relative positions shown in Figure 10 with respect topins 55 and 68 until they first assume the position shown in Figure |3a,the pin 68 and spring 66 being carried forward to the right until spring66 engages pin 55 carried by link 56 after 30 of rotation of segment 53.The pin 68 in its further movement leaves spring 66 and engages spring61 as shown in Figure 14. The effect of this is to provide a positiveand resilient shifting means for the lens aswell as for a delayed shiftfor a certain period in the cycle of operation of the assembly. In otherwords, during the forward or clockwise movement the segment pin 68 byforcing the spring 66 has caused spring 61 to pull pin 55 along. Duringthe rearward or counterclockwise movement, no shifting of the lensforward is accomplished until after spring 66 has engaged pin 55, asshown in Figure I3a, and also after pin 68 has left spring 66 andengaged spring 61 which effects such shift.

- As explained before, this movable lens is found in its full forwardposition when it is timed for the exposure of the watch and in its fullrearward position when it is timed for the exposure of externallylocated objects. In this connection it is also necessary to synchronizewith the movement of the lens and the operation of the camera mechanism,the movement of the movable prism so that it will be in proper positionfor taking pictures of exteriorly located objects and of the internallylocated watch in a predetermined sequence. To bring this about themovable prism is also mounted so as to be rotatable with shaft 52 and isprovided with a coil spring 66 wound around the shaft and bearingagainst the prism. This tends to force the prism to a downward positionwhich occurs, and is brought about through mechanism about to bedescribed, when it is desired to take a single exposure of the watch.

To bring about the rotation of the prism, the disc 5| is also providedwith a peripheral recess 1|, in which it is adapted to ride a pin 12fixedly secured to the 'movable prism. It will also be seen by referenceto Figure 10 that as the disc 5| is rotated in a clockwise direction, bymeans of a forward movement of the actuating bar 26, the pin 12 willabut against the left extremity of the recess 1|, in such a manner thatthe prism will be also rotated in a clockwise direction. This has theeffect of raising the prism from its lower position to a higher positionso that it will be out of the path of the light rays, so as to make itpossible to take long range pictures. Upon the return movement of theactuating bar 26, the spring 69 acts to return the prism to its lowerposition, this action of the spring being controlled by the limits ofthe recess 1|, and the engagement therewith of the pin 12. As explainedin connection with Figure 21, this movement of the prism takes effectthroughout the first 65 of movement and the remaining 25 of movement ofthe trigger bar has no effect towards moving the prism, as it is alreadyin its full downward position. The recess H is therefore of substantialelongated form so as to allow for a certain movement of the disc 5|,necessary for the actuation of other elements of the device withoutmoving the prism.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 3, and to 19 inclusive whichillustrate in detail a switch mechanism for illuminating the bulbs forthe watch, it must be recalled in connection with Figure 21 that thisillumination of the watch occurs near the end of the return travel ofthe trigger bar 26. The switch may consist of a pair of opposed contacts13 and 14, the former being carried by the casing so as to bestationary, and the latter carried by a spring element 15 tending tourge the contact 14 into engagement with the contact 13.

Also carried by the casing and loosely mounted on a shaft 16 is arotatable element 11 normally urged in a clockwise direction by means ofa spring 18 keyed to the shaft 16 at 19. This rotatable element is alsoprovided with an abutment portion 80 which is adapted to contact withthe upper portion 15' of the spring 15, and by reference to Figure 15,it will be seen that a downward pressure on the spring 15 causes thecontacts 13 and 14 to be disengaged and consequently the lamp lightingcircuit (notshown) of which they form a part, keeping the circuit open.In this connection it might be stated that the preferable source ofelectrical energy for lighting lamps is a series of batteries 8|, springpressed by a spring 82 within the casing which may be inserted thereinand kept there by a suitable screw knob 83, as shown in Figure 3.

Referring now again to Figures 15 and 16, the element 11 also comprisesan extension 84 in the form of a slide to receive an element 85, pivotedat 86, which may also be in the form of a spring plunger, if desired.

The actuating bar 26 carries an operating bracket 81 by means of thescrews 88, the bracket being formed .with outwardly depending bevelled'edge 89, which is adapted for engagement with the member 85. It will beseen that a movement of the bracket 81, from the position to the left ofthe element 85 to the relative position shown in Figure 15, would causeno actuation or rotation of the assembly 11, inasmuch as the bevellededge 89 would merely ride over element 85. Upon a return movement,however, of the actuating bar 26, the straight edge of the downwardportion of the bracket 61 engages with the said edge of the member 85.as shown in Figure 16, so as to release the spring 15' from the downwardpressure of the block 86 under the force of the spring 18, so as toallow the spring 15 to urge the movable contact 14 into engagement withthe stationary contact 13 for the purpose of closing the circuit forilluminating the bulbs. As explained in connection with Figure 21, thisoccurs after the expiration of 30 of the return travel of the triggerlever and continues for 50 until after which the lamp circuit is againopen for the remaining 13. In order to bring this result about it willbe seen by reference to Figure 16 that a further return movement of thebracket 81 to the left will result in the element 85 being freed fromengagement with the bracket 81, after which time the spring 18 againrotates the assembly I1 clockwise, this resulting in the block forcingthe contact 14 out of engagement with stationary contact 13 against theaction of spring 15. For purpose of adjustment of the movable block 80,with respect'to the spring actuated contacts, there may be secured tothe casing a stationary block 90, with an adjustment screw 9|, and nut92, to limit the degree of clockwise rotation of the block 80. It willbe appreciated that without the inertia effect of such an arrangementprovided by the assembly 11, a sudden and a gradual return of thetrigger bar 26 would cause different time intervals of the illuminationof the lamps with an ordinary switch arrangement. For the purpose ofinsuring an ample duration of illumination therefore the assembly ll isemployed and the arrangement described makes for a slow and gradualmovement thereof so as to provide for a definite time interval from theinstant that bracket 89 rides over and releases member until block 80returns and forces contact 74 out of engagement with contact 13 to openthe circuit and extinguish the lamps. This action is uniform even whenthe trigger is released suddenly.

Thus it will be seen that there has been provided a device in which allof the apparatus for effecting a change of focus of the lens andalteration of the light path is placed back of the filter, which latteralso serves the additional useful purpose of screening the mechanismfrom dust and moisture.

It will also be seen that there has been provided a novel and efiicientmethod of regulating the amount of light passed from the watch to thelamps without any necessity for adjustment of the watch, or anadjustment of the illumination thereof. Referring, however, to Figures10 and 11, there is provided a means for adjustment of the movable lensand in this connection the casing is provided with a door 9| integrallyconnected at 92' and a suitable set of adjustment means 93 and 94,whereby the limits of motion of the lens may be effected. In actualpractice it has been found, that in the lens as at present used, thelight transmitting ability may be varied through the ratio of 64-1. Therestriction is placed on the amount of light transmitted from the watchface to the lens by means of a suitable diaphragm stop which. may beplaced in front of the lens at all times when the watch is beingphotographed. Such a diaphragm stop tends to render ineffectual all lensapertures greater than the previously determined optimum value so as toprevent the watch image from being over exposed on the film when thelens is used at large apertures. This would make it unnecessary to makeany adjustment of the illumination on the face of the watch, even thoughthe lens be used through its entire range of diaphragm openings tocompensate for changing exterior light conditions. Theoretically somedistortion of the image would be introduced by placing 8. diaphragm stopoutside the lens, but if such effect is present, it cannot be detectedin the photographs made of the watch.

Figure 23 represents a strip of 16 mm. film, having 1 pair ofperforations 95 for each frame. The upper frame 96 is shown as havingthereon a picture I4 of the watch and a picture ii of the serial numberindicator. The reticles above referred to are shown at 91 and on each ofthe frames including that one upon which the pictures of the watchserial number indicator are shown.

The entire device having been properly adjusted, it is only necessary topress downwardly upon the manual trigger element 25 to initiate acomplete cycle of operation of the device that results in the taking ofa series of pictures of long range objects, and the last frame of eachof said series having recorded thereon a picture of the clock and theserial number of the series. The sequence of operation of the variousparts of the device and the results obtained are best understood whilereferring to the various figures showing the operating mechanism, and tothe showing of the sequence of operation in Figures 20 and 21.

In summary, the forward movement of the trigger bar, initiated by thedownward pressure of the trigger element 25, shifts the movable prismupwardly out of the path of the light rays and starts the cameramechanism which takes a series of pictures of external objects at longrange. The return movement of the main trigger actuating bar followsautomatically upon the release of pressure from the trigger and effectsthe movement of the prism into a downward position so as to be in thepath of the light rays; moves the lens to a forward position; closes thelight circuit for illuminating the watch face; operates the camera unitto take a single exposure of the watch face when illuminated; and lastlyopens the lamp lighting circuit so as to constitute a complete cycle ofoperation. The whole operating system then lies idle until anotheractuation of the operating lever, at which time a similar cycle ofoperation is initiated and automatically completed. As an alternativearrangement, that optical system shown in Figure 22 may be employedusing a correction lens in connection with the main lens instead ofmaking the latter shiftable, thus reducing the number of working partsconsiderably. The sequence of operation and desired results otherwiseremain the same as hereinabove explained in detail.

I claim:

1. In a camera comprising a casing, a single photographic objective insaid casing and means aligned therewith for admitting light from anexternal source into said casing, means supporting said objective formovement into a predetermined focal relationship with said lightadmitting means for the purpose of photographic exposure of objectslocated externally to said casing, an object located interiorly of saidcasing and means for illuminating the same, a light reflecting systemincluding a reflecting member and means supporting the same for movementinto such relationship with respect to the axis of said objective as toprovide a secondary light path be tween said object and said objective,said objective supporting means also supporting the objective formovement into a predetermined focal relationship with said reflectingmember for the purpose of photographing said internally located object.

2. In a camera comprising a casing, a single photographic objective insaid casing and means aligned therewith for admitting light from anexternal source into said casing, means supporting said objective formovement into a predetermined focal relationship with said lightadmitting means for the purpose of photographic exposure of objectslocated externally to said casing, an object located interiorly of saidcasing and means for illuminating the same, a light reflecting systemincluding a reflecting member and means supporting the same for movementinto and out of such relationship with respect to the axis of saidobjective as to provide a secondary light path between said object andsaid objective, said objective supporting means also supporting theobjective for movement into a predetermined focal relationship with saidreflecting member for the purpose of photographing said internallylocated object and control means for moving said objective and movablereflecting member in a predetermined sequence.

3. In a camera, a casing, an optical system in said casing including asingle movable objective, a stationary reflecting prism and a movablereflecting prism, an object within said casing, means for preparing saidoptical system for photographic exposure of said internal object andalso for photographic exposure of externally located objects, said meansincluding means for moving said movable prism into the axis of saidobjective to provide a light path between said object and said objectivethrough the medium of said stationary prism and said intervening movableprism and for simultaneously moving said objective in a differentdirection into a predetermined focus position, and means for creatingartificial illumination for said internally located objectat apredetermined time with respect to the completion of such movement, saidmoving means also being adapted to move said movable prism out of theaxis of said objective and to simultaneously move said objective intoanother predetermined focus position.

4. In a camera comprising a casing, a single movable photographicobjective in said casing, means aligned with said objective foradmitting light into the casing from an external source, a stationaryreflecting prism and a movable reflecting prism within said casing,means for shifting simultaneously said movable prism and said objectiveso as to bring said objective to one focus position and said movableprism out of the axis of said objective for taking photographicexposures of external objects and for shifting said objective to anotherfocus position and said movable prism into the axis of said objectiveand into operative relationship with said stationary prism to form withsaid stationary prism a light path between said objective and an objectlocated within said casing and means for creating artificial lightwithin said casing to follow said light path for photographing objectswithin said casing.

5. In a camera comprising a casing, a single photographic objective insaid casing, means aligned with said objective and including a filterfor admitting light into said casing from an external source, aninstrument within the casing, a stationary reflecting prism and amovable refleeting prism within said casing, means for moving saidmovable prism into the axis of said objective, to form with saidstationary prism a light path between the instrument and objective, andfor simultaneously moving said objective in a different direction into apredetermined focus position, and means for creating artificialillumination'within said casing at a predetermined time with respect tothe completion of such movement, said moving means also being adapted tomove said movable prism out of the axis of said objective and tosimultaneously move said objective into another predetermined focusposition.

6. In a camera comprising a casing, a single photographic objective insaid casing, means aligned with said objective and including a filterfor admitting light into said casing from an external source, an opticalsystem in said casing including a stationary reflecting prism and amovable reflecting prism, an object within said casing to bephotographed, means for preparing said optical system for photographicexposure of said internal object or for photographic exposure ofexternally located objects, said means including means for moving saidmovable prism into the axis of said objective, to provide a light pathbetween said object and objective through the medium of said prisms, andfor simultaneously moving said objective in a different direction into apredetermined focus position, and means for creating artificialillumination for said internally located object at a predetermined timewith respect to the completion of such movement, said moving means alsobeing adapted to move said movable prism out of the axis of saidobjective and to simultaneously move said objective into anotherpredetermined focus position.

7. In a camera comprising a casing, a. single photographic objective insaid casing, means aligned with said objective for admitting light intosaid casing from an external source, an instrument located within thecasing, an optical system in said casing including a stationaryreflecting prism and a movable reflecting prism, means supporting saidobjective for movement into a short focus position and means supportingsaid movable prism for movement simultaneously into the axis of saidobjective in position for photographic exposure of said instrument byforming with said stationary prism a light path between said instrumentand objective, and means for creating artificial light within the casingfor following said path, said means supporting said objective alsosupporting the same for movement into a long focus position and saidmeans supporting said movable prism also supporting the same forsimultaneous movement out of the axis of said objective in position forphotographic exposure of exteriorly located objects.

8. In a camera comprising a casing, an instrument located within thecasing, an optical system in said casing including a stationaryreflecting prism, a movable reflecting prism and a single photographicobjective, means aligned with said objective for admitting light intosaid casing from an external source, means supporting said objective formovement into a short focus position and means supporting said movableprism for movement simultaneously into the axis of said objective inposition for photographic exposure of said instrument by forming withsaid stationary prismv a light path between said instrument andobjective, and means for creating artificial light within the casing forfollowing said path, said means supporting said objective alsosupporting the same for movement into a long focus position and saidmeans supporting said movable prism also supporting the same forsimultaneous movement out of the axis of said objective in position forphotographic exposure of objects external to said casing, a manuallyoperable trigger bar and a rotary element actuated thereby, meansrotatable with said element for resiliently shifting said movableobjective, means also rotatable with said element for shifting saidmovable prism, said element being provided with a concentric groove withexcentric extensions near either end, and a camera operating memberoperatively associated with said groove and during the rotation of saidelement adapted to be so actuated as to cause an operation of saidcamera as the eccentric portions are. alternately engaged.

9. In a camera comprising a casing, an optical system in said casingincluding a stationary reflecting prism, a movable reflecting prism anda single movable photographic objective; means aligned with saidobjective for admitting light into said casing from an external source,an instrument located within the casing, means including a manuallycontrolled operating bar for shifting said objective to a long focusposition and simultaneously shifting said movable prism out of the axisof the objective during the forward movement of said bar, and forinitiating the operation of said camera substantially at the end of theforward movement of said operating bar, and for stopping the operationof said camera during the return movement of said operating bar untilthe latter portion of such return movement and for shitting said movableobjective into a short focus position and for simultaneously shiftingsaid movable prism into the axis of said objective during the returnmovement of said bar to form with said stationary prism a light pathbetween the instrument and objective and means for creating artificiallight within the casing predeterminedly with respect to the time saidpath is created for the purpose of a single photographic exposure ofsaid instrument.

JOHN P. GA'I'Y.

